In the world of innovative communication apps, Nikita Bier is no stranger to success. Having previously wowed audiences with creations like the anonymous polling app tbh and the compliments app Gas, Bier has now introduced a new contender: Explode. This intriguing app takes the concept of disappearing messages to a whole new level within the familiar environment of iMessage.
Explode functions as an iMessage mini-app, setting itself apart by allowing users to send messages—texts and images—that self-destruct after being viewed once. It’s a fun and secure way to communicate, perfect for those private conversations you want to keep completely private. Additionally, the app takes privacy seriously by blocking any attempts to capture screenshots of your messages. Bier has underscored that only the sender needs to have the Explode app, simplifying its use among friends and contacts.
Available for free, Explode also offers an Explode+ subscription for those who want advanced features. For $39.99 per year or $7.99 monthly, subscribers gain access to perks like screenshot alerts, the ability to block screenshots, options to replay previously sent photos, and added control over photo viewing.
In a series of posts, Bier has playfully positioned Explode as a rival to Snapchat, stemming from past interactions with the social media giant that ended on a sour note. According to Bier, a potential collaboration with Snapchat was cut short after discussions about acquiring his app, Gas. Shortly after talks stalled, Gas was removed from the SnapKit developer platform during a critical growth period.
Bier expressed disappointment at the decision, which came just a week after initial talks, citing it as a major hindrance to Gas’s momentum. Despite these challenges, Gas saw substantial interaction from Snapchat’s user base, with 23% of its U.S. users having engaged with the app.
Although Snapchat has yet to comment on these past events, Discord stepped in to acquire Gas in early 2023, though the app was eventually shut down later that year.
Currently, Explode is available in several countries, including the United States, Canada, the UK, Australia, France, Germany, and Italy. As Nikita Bier continues his innovative journey, Explode is sure to captivate users looking for a new way to connect and share in confidence.
